Addressing lake management needs since our incorporation in 1953, we are mainly known for our in-lake program of seasonal near shore harvesting of nuisance aquatic vegetation. We have also maintained safe waterways for lake users by removing debris and clearing clogged navigational lanes when such conditions have occasionally developed.  In addition, we currently offer a unique shoreline service that assists lakefront owners with the burden of cleaning their shorelines. Additionally, we offer weed disposal services to businesses and homeowners as they clear their lakefront. We have recently performed successful dredging projects on lake tributaries and are investigating other needed dredging work.

The CLA is more than lake maintenance.

The CLA performs extensive scientific monitoring and provides invasive species spread prevention programs.  In 2016, we initiated the first multi-site Watercraft Steward Program in Chautauqua County, a launch ramp based invasive species spread prevention educational program. We contract annually for plant inventory, density analysis and monitoring in addition to other lake research needs including herbivore  monitoring. We provide a Harmful Algal Bloom monitoring program along with a water quality monitoring program. Our information is shared with governmental agencies and many collaborating parties. It also assists us with our future lake maintenance planning.

Annual funding for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is based on governmental support, foundation support, member contributions and fundraisers.  The Association has no other regular income source.  Contributions can be sent either directly to the Association Office at 429 East Terrace Avenue in Lakewood, New York 14750 or made via PayPal utilizing a link that is provided on this website.

Each year we look for additional funding opportunities and grants to assist us with funding lake needs and to allow us to offer improved services. For example, new fundraisers and an expanded dredging program provided us with additional income that kept us from implementing further program reductions beyond the reductions that we had to implement during the past several years due to realities of the economy. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors insists on operating within a balanced budget in order to avoid negatively affecting future years’ services.

We offer education to the public through our website and Facebook. We also participate in many community programs including Conservation Days, Lake Events and Service Club presentations. Our full-time staff is continually educated with new trends and techniques to provide the most cost effective and efficient ways to maintain our equipment and manage the annual plant growth in Chautauqua Lake. We collaborate with all local environmental and lake related organizations. We participate in NYS Federation of Lakes Association programs and are a participating member of the North American Lake Management Society.

Who We Are

The Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), was incorporated in 1953 and is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. Over 1400 members donate to the association on a yearly basis. In addition to private donations; local, county and state governmental entities along with private foundations provide supplemental funds as affordable to support the Association’s annual programs.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the CLA is to serve as “The Steward of Chautauqua Lake,” to the extent our resources will allow, by: 

• Providing effective and efficient lake maintenance services for the benefit of all those who enjoy Chautauqua Lake.
• Promoting and facilitating the ongoing scientific study of Chautauqua Lake and its surrounding ecosystems, flora, fauna, and hydrology, and making operational decisions accordingly.
• Participating in and/or cooperating with local, state, and federal lake management programs and applicable regulatory agencies.
• Educating the community about Chautauqua Lake’s ecosystem and environmentally sound, evidence-based lake management practices.

Where We Operate 

The Chautauqua Lake Association operates primarily from our facility in Lakewood, NY. However, during our intensive summer season, CLA harvesting and shore crews work from 2-3 additional locations around the lake. Additional offloading sites include Long Point State Park and Mayville Lakeside Park.

The CLA’s Watercraft Stewards, who help educate boaters and protect our waters from aquatic invasive species, are positioned at several launches around Chautauqua Lake and nearby Cassadaga Lake as well as two public launches on Lake Erie.

Why We Are Here

Our priority is to keep Chautauqua Lake safe, fun, clean and ecologically healthy for residents and visitors alike. And, to preserve Chautauqua Lake for future generations. 

How

The CLA utilizes a diversified inventory of equipment in order to meet the lake maintenance needs of Chautauqua Lake.  No other lake association is known to have such a significant equipment inventory.  CLA personnel operate the equipment during the summer and then fully service the vessels during the winter months.  All equipment is maintained in “as new” condition which minimizes downtime during the intensive summer season.